Puma temp gauge, Normal?

[OllieWinchester]

Browsing the classifieds looking for a cheap smoker for the missus when I saw this advert for a Puma, nice and local too.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2251819.htm

Have a look at the pic of the dash, in particular the temp gauge. The car appears to be running, is there any explanation as to why it is showing that temp? I had a Fiesta with the same engine and can't remember if it goes to max when you start it up or anything...

Cheers, Ollie

[StoatInACoat]

If it's local then it's got to be worth a closer look, especially at that price. Might have just been left idling while the owner pratted about taking pictures of it? Just make sure it gets up to temp on a test drive then leave it running when you get back to show up any flaws.

[compocon]

Clearly a fooked gauge as the car would be dead.

Seems like a good bargaining point as it will scare alot of buyers off. Just view it and let it sit for ages to see if everything functions as it should at full temp

[trickywoo]

1998 is right in the nikasil zone. Make sure its got an even idle, any lumpyness is good cause to run away.

[andym1603]

Hi,
The OH has a 1.7 Puma and the guage never goes past halfway.
That looks like a fault with the gauge or the sender, both cheap to replace
but would be a good bargaining point if the seller is not up to speed.
Looks good but give the back arches a good prod they seem too good for a car that age.
Andy..

[OllieWinchester]

Might see if she likes the look of it then, (What it looks like is pretty much the only thing that matters apparently) and go and have a look. I imagine it wouldn't last five minutes before dying a spectacular death if it was genuinely running at that temperature.

[IanMorewood]

Wow off the top of the gauge it would have gone bang and steam would be puthering out from the front end. My guess is a faulty gauge.

[Charlie Foxtrot]

What is a Mini Couper?